An evaluation of ureteral diameter ratio and vesicoureteral reflux index in the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux

Abstract

ObjectiveVesicoureteral reflux (VUR) index is a simple, validated tool that reliably predicts significant improvement and spontaneous resolution of primary reflux in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the ureter diameter ratio (UDR) and VUR index (VURx) of patients treated with endoscopic injection (EI) and ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) methods in the pediatric age group due to primary VUR. MethodsPatients under the age of 18 years old who underwent EI and UNC with the diagnosis of primary VUR between January 2011 and September 2021 were determined as the subjects. The UDR was assessed using voiding cystourethrography, and the VURx score was determined prior to treatment based on hospital records included in the study. ResultsA total of 255 patients, 60 (23.5%) boys and 195 (76.5%) girls, with a mean age of 76.5 (range 13.0–204.0) months, were included in the study. EI was applied to 130 (51.0%) patients and UNC was applied to 125 (49.0%) patients due to primary VUR. The optimum cut-off for the distal UDR was obtained as 0.17 with sensitivity and specificity of 73.0% and 63.0%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 66.0% and 70.0%, respectively. ConclusionWhen the UDR and VURx score are evaluated together for the surgical treatment of primary VUR in the pediatric age group, it is thought that it may be useful in predicting the clinical course of the disease and evaluating surgical treatment options.